The federal transportation bill approved by Congress on July 29, 2005, authorized a national Safe Routes to School program. Section 1404, Subsection D, Title I of the “Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) authorizes a $612 million, five-year program aimed at making bicycling and walking to school “a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, thereby encouraging a health and active lifestyle from an early age.” Under this program, state departments of transportation may receive federal grants to carry out planning, design, and construction projects that improve the ability of students to walk and bicycle to school. Such projects may include:

Sidewalk improvements

Traffic calming and speed reduction improvements

Pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements

On-street bicycle facilities

Off-street bicycle and pedestrian facilities

Secure bicycle parking facilities; and

Traffic diversion improvements near schools

States may apportion their grants to local, regional, and nonprofit organizations that demonstrate an ability to advance the objectives of the Safe Routes to School Program.

The Oregon Safe Routes to School Program helps communities identify and remove barriers and hazards to children, K-12, walking or biking within two miles of a school. Funds are expected to become available in late 2006 to help communities carry out public awareness activities as well as infrastructure improvements that improve the safety of children as they walk or bike to school. For more information, click on the link above or contact Julie Yip, program manager, at 503.986.4196 or julie.a.yip@state.or.us.